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Appalachian Trail Information and Hiking Articles

ERWIN – John M. Shores, “Uncle Johnny”, age 72, of Erwin, passed away, on Monday, February 12, 2018 at Bristol regional Medical Center. Johnny was a native of Bessemer, AL and a son of the late John M. and Shirley (Hasty) Shores. He was a bigger than life kind of guy who never met a stranger. He was a loving husband who enjoyed traveling, diving, hiking, camping, sailing and just being outdoors. Johnny was previously employed as the Human Resources Director for Birmingham News, owned a scuba shop in Birmingham and was an active part of the hiking community, and for the past 20 years, owned and operated Uncle Johnny’s Nolichucky Hostel. He was also a writer who recently published “Hostel on the Nolichucky”. John M. Shores has left behind to cherish his memory: Wife: Charlotte Shores, of Erwin; Daughter: Claire McWhorter, of Erwin; Multiple family pets; Several nieces and nephews. The family would like to offer special thanks to Dave Clark and Patrick Mannion for love, support and years of companionship; and to Gary Thibault and Stephen Tyler for the same reason. The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of John M. Shores, “Uncle Johnny”, in a memorial service to be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, February 25, 2018 in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home. Gary Thibault will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Unicoi County Humane Society, 2201 Zane Whitson Drive, Erwin, TN 37650 Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of John M. Shores through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

The Top of Georgia Hiking Center is located on a very beautiful and unique parcel of land completely surrounded by US Forest Service lands. Located directly on the main road (US Hwy 76) that intersects with the Appalachian Trail (Dicks Creek Gap). It's only a 1/2 mile short walk
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I just received an email from a family that just got hit with a scam that I wanted to make everyone aware of. Here is a portion of the email.

I am the father of a thru hiker that just completed the AT this month. Our family just got hit by a scam we believe involves AT hikers that anyone on the trail or planning to be on the trail should be aware of. There is a scam ring on social media watching those who complete the trail, and, if they can determine who their elderly relatives are (also through social media), they attempt to pull off the 'Grandma Scam'. They contact the grandparents posing as the hiker saying they've been in an accident, need money, not to tell their parents - and elderly grandparents fall for it, and send money to the scammers using numbers from untraceable Target or similar gift or bank cards - typically around $2,000-$4,000 worth. It is a masterful scam- they know their families and know their grand kid just completed the trail and are on the way back home etc. The scammers string of phone numbers are landlines from NY State. We think all hikers (current and future) should alert their families of this scam.

Hiking in Mount Aspiring National Park
Mount Aspiring National Park is one of the shiniest jewels of New Zealand’s South Island. It has precious meadows, luscious forests, majestic mountains, wild rivers, ice and snow, cozy huts and all that your wild hiking heart might desire. There are lots of options for hikers of all experience
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You’ve got kids. Now what? Does that mean you have to put away your tent and pack your trekking poles for the next 18 years? Luckily, the answer is no. You will, however, have to change your goals a bit. Instead of trying to trek the entire Appalachian Trail in one go, you might need to break it up into more
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Dear Thru -Hikers,
This year the AMC Campsite Program is excited to roll out a Thru-Hiker Pass program. Geared toward any traditional North bounder, South bounder or section hiker this pass offers a handsome discount through the AMC campsites in the White Mountains. After you spend your first night at one of our sites, every site after that is 50% off at $5.00 a night. Whether you’re crushing it through the Whites and only end up staying at 3 sites or taking your time over the rough terrain and stay at all 9 sites, this pass offers a significant discount. Not to mention with the purchase of the pass you will receive a punch card for two free baked goods and a free bowl of soup redeemable at any AMC hut. Need a headlamp? Extra batteries? By presenting the card at any hut or AMC Trading Post you will receive 10% off any merchandise. In the AMC campsite program we never turn anyone away so you will always have a place to stay at the site, guaranteed. At each site we have bear boxes to store food, durable flat camping areas and a reliable water source. When talking with past thru hikers we realize there are challenges the thru hiker community faces and we hope this pass will mitigate some of those struggles. This pass can be purchased at any of our sites along the AT. When it is time for the caretaker to register you for the night, just mention you are a thru hiker and you will be given the pass. First night is standard pricing at $10.00 and every night after that is 50% off at just $5.00.
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